Objective: To describe the influence of selected interpersonal factors on HIV/STD risk among urban, minority couples participating in a relationship-based HIV/STD prevention intervention. Methods: Baseline interview data from 217 women and their main, male sexual partners, participating in an NIMH-funded randomized clinical trial, were analyzed with the couple as the unit of analysis. Reports on six risk factors within 90 days prior to baseline were combined to form a couple risk index: 1) not using condoms consistently; 2) having multiple sexual partners; 3) having an STD diagnosis; 4) having STD symptoms; 5) injecting drugs; and 6) being HIV-infected. Multiple regression analyses were used to regress couple’s HIV/STD risk index score on couple-level interpersonal and control variables. Results: Women were younger on average than men (m=36 vs. m=39), and most partners were African American (55%), never married (57%), living together (62%) and reported drug use within the past 90 days (61%). Regression models suggest that there is an association between couple HIV/STD risk and relationship satisfaction, problem-solving, sexual coercion and physical aggression after controlling for several background variables. Conclusions: Lower levels of relationship satisfaction and higher levels of intimate violence contribute to higher HIV/STD risk among the couples in this sample. Collection and examination of couple level data may provide more accurate assessment of HIV/STD risk. Understanding the role of interpersonal factors on risk among couples is critical to the development of more effective prevention interventions. Implications for the use of couple-level data and the development of relationship-based prevention interventions will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. List interpersonal factors that may contribute to HIV/STD risk among heterosexual couples. 2. Articulate the advantage to using couple level data collection for HIV/STD prevention research. 3. Discuss the importance of incorporating couple level data collection and examination of interpersonal factors into future HIV prevention research.
Keywords: Partner Involvement, Women and HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.